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If you or a loved one had a child diagnosed with autism after taking Tylenol (acetaminophen) during pregnancy, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.
At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to potentially harmful medications. Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact Schmidt & Clark, LLP today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Tylenol Autism Lawsuit Overview
Tylenol lawsuits are alleging the long-held belief that acetaminophen is a safe choice for pain and fever relief during pregnancy is incorrect.
Scientific evidence has suggested a connection between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and a higher risk of autism spectrum disorders.
Over 500 lawsuits have been filed by pregnant women claiming acetaminophen manufacturers failed to warn about these risks.
Latest Tylenol Lawsuit Updates
- September 5, 2024 – Schmidt & Clark, LLP is no longer taking these cases as indicated in their website announcement.
- March 26, 2024 – The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) centralized all of the cases into a consolidated litigation (MDL 3043), bringing together numerous individual autism cases linked to Tylenol use during pregnancy.
- September 2020 – Concerns escalated when 91 medical experts issued a Consensus Statement in Nature Reviews Endocrinology, strongly urging pregnant women to limit Tylenol use during pregnancy due to potential developmental risks.
- 2019 – A study conducted by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that exposure to acetaminophen during pregnancy was significantly linked to autism spectrum disorder and ADHD in children, raising serious concerns about its safety during pregnancy.
FDA Reports and Statistics
The FDA currently classifies acetaminophen as "generally regarded as safe" for use during pregnancy. However, recent studies have prompted calls for reevaluation based on the following data:
- Over half of all pregnant women use acetaminophen for mild to moderate pain, as a fever reducer, and as part of other over-the-counter medications
- A review of 29 studies revealed a consistent 20% increase in autism risk, particularly with prolonged use and higher doses
- The FDA has not yet issued specific warnings about acetaminophen use during pregnancy related to autism risk
- MAUDE database reports show increasing concerns about acetaminophen products used during pregnancy
Tylenol Injuries & Side Effects
Children whose mothers used acetaminophen during pregnancy have been reported to have increased risks of neurodevelopmental disorders, including:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A complex developmental disorder affecting communication, social interaction, and behavior
- ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder): Characterized by difficulty maintaining attention and controlling impulsive behaviors
- Language Delays: Difficulties in speech development and communication skills
- Decreased IQ: Potential cognitive impairments affecting learning ability
- Behavioral Issues: Various conduct and emotional regulation problems
Do You Qualify for a Tylenol Autism Lawsuit?
You may qualify to file a lawsuit if:
- You or your loved one used Tylenol or generic acetaminophen products regularly during pregnancy
- The mother consulted her healthcare professionals for Tylenol use in the form and in the manner in which she used it, and the drug was provided to the mother and in the manner in which the mother used it
- The child was diagnosed with autism, and/or the child is participating today or participated in the past in an individualized education program for autism, or the child is participating today or participated in the past in an early intervention program for autism
You may not qualify to file a lawsuit if the mother suffered one or more of the following complications during pregnancy:
- Gestational diabetes
- Gestational hypertension or infection and related fever that required mother's hospitalization
- The child was born before the 35th week of pregnancy
- The child is diagnosed with one or more of Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, Tourette syndrome, and/or tuberous sclerosis
- The mother used one or more SSRIs while pregnant
- The mother was over 40 years of age when child was born
- The father was over 45 years of age when child was born
- The mother used recreational alcohol while pregnant
- The mother used one or more illegal drugs while pregnant
- The mother used tobacco while pregnant
- One of the child's parents is diagnosed with autism
- One or more of child's siblings is diagnosed with autism
- The child was born after March 26, 2020
- If the child is over 18 years of age
- If the mother's pregnancy or child's birth occurred in Michigan
Evidence Required for a Tylenol Autism Lawsuit
To build a strong case, the following evidence will be necessary:
- Medical records showing acetaminophen use during pregnancy
- Prescriptions or receipts for Tylenol or generic acetaminophen
- Documentation of pregnancy dates and acetaminophen usage timeline
- Medical diagnosis confirming autism spectrum disorder or other qualifying conditions
- Educational or therapeutic records related to autism treatment
Damages You Can Recover
Successful plaintiffs in Tylenol autism lawsuits may be eligible to recover damages for:
- Medical expenses related to autism treatment and therapy
- Special education costs and specialized care
- Lost wages for caregivers
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
- Future care costs
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Tylenol Recall Information
While there have been various Tylenol recalls over the years for manufacturing issues, there have been no recalls specifically related to autism risks during pregnancy.
The lawsuits focus on failure to warn rather than product defects.
Statute of Limitations for Tylenol Autism Lawsuits
The statute of limitations for filing a Tylenol autism lawsuit varies by state.
It is important to consult with an attorney promptly to ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate timeframe to protect your legal rights.
Most states have a 2-3 year statute of limitations from the date of discovery of the injury or condition. However, some states may have longer or shorter timeframes.
FAQs
1. How Long Do I Have to File a Tylenol Autism Lawsuit?
The statute of limitations for Tylenol autism lawsuits varies by state. It is important to consult with an attorney promptly to ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate timeframe to protect your legal rights.
2. What Should I Do If I Suspect Tylenol Caused My Child's Autism?
If you suspect Tylenol caused your child's autism, seek medical evaluation and legal advice. Document all relevant medical records, and consult with a product liability attorney to discuss your situation and potential for compensation.
3. Are There Any Class Action Lawsuits for Tylenol and Autism?
Yes, there are several active Tylenol autism lawsuits with similar claims regarding autism and developmental disorders joined together. Participating in a class action can streamline the legal process and potentially increase the chances of a successful outcome.
4. What Settlement Amounts Can Plaintiffs Expect?
Settlement amounts will be driven by the trial value of a Tylenol lawsuit. The average trial value of a successful verdict in a lawsuit alleging autism diagnoses relating to Tylenol use would likely fall between $5 million and $10 million.It is important to keep in mind that settlement compensation payouts are only a fraction of the trial value of the case. And lawyers still cannot project the settlement amount or the likelihood that the acetaminophen exposure science in Tylenol cases are strong enough to get to a jury.
5. How Does Tylenol Work?
Tylenol works by inhibiting the production of brain chemicals called prostaglandins. The active ingredient in Tylenol, acetaminophen, relieves pain by reducing the body's central pain threshold to pain transmission by inhibiting your body's pain receptors.
6. What Are Tylenol Lawsuits Alleging?
Tylenol lawsuits are alleging the long-held belief that acetaminophen is a safe choice for pain and fever relief during pregnancy is incorrect. Scientific research has suggested a connection between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and a higher risk of autism spectrum disorders.
7. Is It Safe to Take Acetaminophen During Pregnancy?
While high fever in pregnant women can result in birth defects, most women take acetaminophen for other issues such as aches, mild pain, or headache. New studies show that acetaminophen use for less than 2 weeks total during pregnancy carried the least risk. Over two weeks showed a greater risk for adverse events, health professionals warn.
8. What Is the Current Status of Tylenol Autism MDL?
The recent filed case is U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) centralized all of the cases into a consolidated litigation (MDL 3043), bringing together numerous individual autism cases linked to Tylenol use during pregnancy.
Get A Free Tylenol Autism Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
Time is limited to pursue legal action for Tylenol-related autism cases. With statutes of limitations varying by state, it's crucial to act promptly to preserve your legal rights.
Our services include:
- Free, confidential consultations
- No upfront costs or fees
- Payment only if we win your case
- Experienced attorneys specializing in pharmaceutical litigation
Don't wait until it's too late to seek justice for your child. The scientific evidence linking acetaminophen use and fetal exposure are strong enough that judges can likely get verdicts, and plaintiffs could potentially recover substantial compensation.